The Strength of the Few

‘Full of excitement, danger and mystery, this thrilling adventure leaves us gasping in anticipation of the next instalment.’ * Guardian *‘Bestseller Islington’s brilliant middle volume of his Hierarchy trilogy clears the high bar set by the first installment…Evocative prose and nuanced ruminations on the nature of power and sacrifice enhance Islington’s complex multiverse worldbuilding. Readers will be on the edge of their seats.’ * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *‘The Will of the Many was a good book—a really, really good book—but The Strength of the Few is a great one.’ * GrimDark Magazine *‘Gripping suspense and epic stakes…’ * BookPeople *‘A compelling story, a cast of complex and diverse characters, and a glimpse into how far a good man can go before he’s lost.’ * Kirkus *‘This sequel is another striking achievement that cements Islington as one of the genre’s most compelling voices.’ * Library Journal *‘The best book two ever written, three complete stories in one with jaw dropping twists, intense action, deep character work, and masterful plot weaving.’ * Bromantasy *‘Islington’s series demonstrates exceptional worldbuilding, with the author setting up a complex magic and political system with incredible detail. The story balances lofty magical feats with realistic political drama, crafting a story that is nearly impossible to put down.’ * Daily Bruin *‘Wonderfully imagined’ * Avenue Bookstore *‘One of the best fantasy novels of 2025. Filled with intricate detail and an expansive and addictive narrative, this is a gift that readers won’t be able to put down.’ * Canberra Weekly *‘Its immense scope and intricate plotting…cohere into one breathtaking masterpiece. Five Stars aren’t enough.’ * Winter Is Coming *‘If you’re looking for not one but three immersive, intricate, all-consuming fantasy worlds to hibernate in as the weather grows cold, Islington has left the doors wide open.’ * Elle *‘Mind-boggling pop entertainment with a compulsive energy and characters worth cheering.’ * Tim Byrne, Guardian (Best Australian Books of 2025) *

James Islington is the author of The Licanius Trilogy which has sold more than a million copies around the world. He was born in Frankston in 1981, and raised in Cranbourne South. He now lives on the Mornington Peninsula.